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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 18, 2015 5 <br /> Community Development Director Hutmacher provided an introduction to the discussion on <br /> the Gateway District and thanked Associate Planner Bachler for his work and efforts on the <br /> topic. <br /> Associate Planner Bachler provided comment on the Gateway District noting that the City's <br /> language was compared to St. Paul's standards for the Phalen Boulevard corridor. He was <br /> encouraged by the fact that the City's TRC exceeded the Phalen Boulevard requirements for the <br /> City of St. Paul. <br /> Councilmember Holden did not want to see "Rice Creek Commons" monument signs as this <br /> would create further division between TCAAP and the rest of Arden Hills. She was in favor of <br /> having a tower at Highway 96. <br /> Staff discussed the public art that was placed in the right-of-way in the City of Blaine. <br /> Councilmember Woodburn appreciated the landscaping within The Lakes development in <br /> Blaine along with the eight-foot grassy median. <br /> Mayor Grant summarized that the Council supported the Gateway District language as presented <br /> by staff. He recommended that staff consider road access to AHATS to ensure that property is not <br /> landlocked in the future and asked how this would be passed along to developers. <br /> Public Works Director Maurer stated that it would be passed along to developers within the <br /> TRC through roadway connections and roadway right-of-way widths. This would ensure that <br /> options were available should AHATS develop in the future. <br /> Mayor Grant expressed concern with how the development would be impacted if more than one <br /> leg of the Spine Road intersection was a Level D. He feared that this would land lock the TCAAP <br /> development from Highway 10. He noted that the previous development proposal included a right <br /> in/right out along Highway 10. <br /> Public Works Director Maurer commented that MnDOT was concerned about the future of <br /> Highway 10 and may be considering median closures. <br /> Councilmember Holden requested that staff review the TRC language to ensure that townhouse <br /> and home colors would not be the same lot after lot. <br /> Community Development Director Hutmacher discussed the color variation suggestions within <br /> the TRC. She believed that the proposed language would allow for variation and architectural <br /> differences. She provided further comment on how the TRC addressed fagade building materials. <br /> Councilmember Holmes believed that the current language addressed the Council's concerns <br /> regarding facade colors and building materials. She also suggested corner buildings at a street <br /> intersection within the Gateway District should consider having a tower, turret, cupola or other <br /> architectural enhancement. <br /> Councilmember McClung wanted to see some sort of architectural enhancement required. <br />